← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

Writing statements inside flowchart symbols

Flowchart symbols hold precise pseudocode, not sentences. Process boxes use ← statements like this, decisions use conditions like Mark >= 50, parallelograms use INPUT or OUTPUT.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 7c Pseudocode and Flowcharts — Module 49

Understanding Writing statements inside flowchart symbols in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 2

What it does: Input shapes use the keyword INPUT followed by the variable name, instead of a sentence like 'get the mark'. Process boxes hold precise pseudocode statements using ←, not sentences. A decision holds a precise condition using a relational operator, which gives a Yes or No answer. Assignment uses the ← arrow. The = sign is used for comparison, so it does not belong in a process box. Use relational operators such as <, >, <=, >=, = and <> in decision diamonds, not words. The statement must assign the new value back to the variable using ←. An expression alone does not store anything.

Common mistakes: Flowchart symbols must hold precise pseudocode, not sentences. The process box should say Total ← Total + Mark. A process box sets a value with the assignment arrow ←, not =. It should be Count ← 0.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 188–213) and word search (Modules 188–231).

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Learning
Duo
Which text belongs in a process box that adds 1 to a counter?
Add one to the countCount ← Count + 1
Matches
Process box: Add 1 to the counter
↓
A sentence is used instead of a pseudocode statement. It should be Count ← Count + 1.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Count ← Count + 1
Meaning
Flowchart symbols hold precise pseudocode, not sentences. Process boxes use ← statements like this, decisions use conditions like Mark >= 50, parallelograms use INPUT or OUTPUT.
Practice
INPUT Mark
Testing
Gaps
Count Count + 1
Check Answer
Spots
1Para: INPUT Mark
2Box: Add Mark to Total

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Quick Questions

1. Which text belongs in a process box that adds 1 to a counter?
A. Add one to the count
B. Count ← Count + 1 ✓
Process boxes hold precise pseudocode statements using ←, not sentences.
2. Which text is correct inside a decision diamond?
A. Mark >= 50 ✓
B. Is the mark 50 or more?
A decision holds a precise condition using a relational operator, which gives a Yes or No answer.
3. Which text is correct inside a parallelogram to read a value from the user?
A. INPUT Mark ✓
B. Ask the user for the mark
Parallelograms use the keywords INPUT or OUTPUT followed by the variable, not a sentence.
4. Which process box shows the correct way to store a value in a variable?
A. Total = 0
B. Total ← 0 ✓
Assignment uses the ← arrow. The = sign is used for comparison, so it does not belong in a process box.
5. Which text is correct in a parallelogram to display a result?
A. OUTPUT Total ✓
B. Show the total on screen
Use the OUTPUT keyword and the variable name. Do not write a description in words.

Match the Pairs

Total ← Total + Mark → A process box that adds Mark to Total and stores the result back in Total
Mark >= 50 → A decision diamond condition that asks if Mark is 50 or more, with Yes and No exits
A parallelogram that reads a value from the user into a variable uses the INPUT keyword → INPUT Mark
A parallelogram that shows a result to the user uses the OUTPUT keyword → OUTPUT Total
Process box: Add 1 to the counter → A sentence is used instead of a pseudocode statement. It should be Count ← Count + 1.
Decision diamond: Is the mark high enough to pass? → A vague question is used instead of a precise condition. It should be Mark >= 50.

Key Term

Count ← Count + 1
Flowchart symbols hold precise pseudocode, not sentences. Process boxes use ← statements like this, decisions use conditions like Mark >= 50, parallelograms use INPUT or OUTPUT.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Count ← Count + 1
Hint: Type the assignment symbol used in a process box to store a new value.
2. Mark >= 50
Hint: Type the relational operator for 'greater than or equal to' in a decision diamond.
3. INPUT Mark
Hint: Type the keyword that goes in a parallelogram to read a value from the user.
4. OUTPUT Total
Hint: Type the keyword that goes in a parallelogram to display a value.
5. Total ← Total + Mark
Hint: Type the arithmetic operator that adds the mark onto the running total.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Para: INPUT Mark
B Box: Add Mark to Total
C Para: OUTPUT Total
Line B — Flowchart symbols must hold precise pseudocode, not sentences. The process box should say Total ← Total + Mark.
Question 2
A Box: Count = 0
B Para: INPUT Mark
C Diamond: Mark >= 50
Line A — A process box sets a value with the assignment arrow ←, not =. It should be Count ← 0.
Question 3
A Para: Ask the user for Age
B Diamond: Age >= 18
C Para: OUTPUT "Adult"
Line A — A parallelogram for input uses the INPUT keyword with the variable name, not a sentence. It should be INPUT Age.
Question 4
A Para: INPUT Mark
B Diamond: Mark >= 50
C Para: PRINT "Pass"
Line C — Pseudocode uses the keyword OUTPUT for output, and PRINT is not a pseudocode keyword. It should be OUTPUT "Pass".
Question 5
A Box: Total ← 0
B Box: Count ← 0
C Para: INPUT Score
D Box: Total + Score ← Total
Line D — The arrow ← points from the value to the variable being set. The variable goes on the left, so it should be Total ← Total + Score.

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